How to Increase the Appetite of a Growing Child (Expert Pediatric Advice UAE)

I’m Dr.Vishal Mehta, Consultant Pediatrician at RAK Hospital. For over a decade, I’ve worked closely with families concerned about child appetite, especially issues like poor appetite, slow weight gain, picky eating, and nutritional deficiencies. These concerns worry parents deeply—sometimes more than they should, and sometimes less than they should.

Almost every week, a parent sits across from me and says,
“Doctor, my child doesn’t eat properly.”

In the UAE, low child appetite is one of the most common reasons parents seek pediatric advice. Children today are surrounded by screens, quick snacks, busy school schedules, and long hours indoors. Many drink large amounts of milk or juice, which fills the stomach but does not provide balanced nutrition. Over time, this affects eating patterns, growth expectations, and family mealtimes—turning food into a daily struggle instead of a healthy routine.

I decided to write this blog to help parents understand child appetite clearly and honestly—without fear, force-feeding, or confusion. My goal is to explain what is normal, what needs attention, and when a child’s appetite truly requires medical evaluation.

At RAK Hospital, we follow a structured and evidence-based approach to child appetite and growth. We don’t judge health by how much a child eats in a single meal. Instead, we assess growth patterns, nutrient balance, lifestyle habits, and overall wellbeing before recommending any treatment.

What Is a Normal Child Appetite? (Many Parents Get This Wrong)

One of the biggest misconceptions among parents is expecting a child to eat the same amount every day. In reality, child appetite is not constant – it changes naturally.

A child’s appetite varies depending on:

• Age
• Growth spurts
• Physical activity level
• Overall health and sleep quality
  

For example, toddlers often eat less than expected. This is normal. After their rapid growth in infancy, growth slows down, and so does appetite. Many parents mistake this natural phase for a serious problem.

It’s important to understand the difference between:

• Low appetite – a child eats less but continues to grow normally
• Poor growth – weight or height is not increasing as expected
  

If a child is active, playful, and growing well on the chart, a smaller appetite is usually not a medical issue.

Understanding normal appetite in children, especially toddler appetite, helps parents relax and avoid unnecessary pressure during meals – pressure that often makes eating problems worse.

Why Some Children Have Low Appetite

Common Causes of Poor Child Appetite

In most cases, a low child appetite is linked to daily habits rather than disease. Common causes include:

• Excessive milk or juice intake, especially between meals
• Frequent snacking, which reduces hunger at mealtimes
• Iron deficiency, common in growing children
• Worm infestation, particularly in school-going children
• Frequent infections, which temporarily reduce appetite
• Stress or school anxiety, often overlooked
• Lack of physical activity, especially with high screen time
  

These factors interfere with normal hunger signals and disrupt healthy child eating habits.

Medical Causes That Need Attention

Sometimes, poor appetite is a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation:

• Anemia
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, and vitamin D
• Digestive issues, such as food intolerance or chronic constipation
• Growth delays, seen when weight or height gain slows down
  

If appetite loss is persistent and accompanied by poor growth, fatigue, or frequent illness, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Understanding the reasons for poor appetite in children helps parents act early and appropriately – without panic, but also without delay.

Signs Your Child’s Appetite Problem Needs Medical Attention

It’s normal for a child’s appetite to fluctuate. However, there are situations where poor appetite should not be ignored. As a pediatrician, these are the signs I advise parents to watch closely:

• Weight not increasing over several months despite regular meals
• Low energy levels, tiredness, or lack of interest in play
• Frequent illnesses, infections, or slow recovery from common colds
• Delayed developmental milestones in younger children
• Poor height gain, especially when compared with age-appropriate growth charts

If your child eats little and shows one or more of these signs, it’s time to seek medical advice. These are the moments when parents often ask, “When should I worry about my child’s appetite?”—and rightly so.

At RAK Hospital, we focus not just on how much a child eats, but how well they are growing and developing overall.

How to Increase the Appetite of a Growing Child Naturally

Improving child appetite doesn’t start with syrups or supplements. It starts with structure, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that support natural hunger.

1. Correct Meal Timing & Routine

Children thrive on routine. A predictable schedule helps their body recognise hunger cues.

• Serve meals at fixed times every day
• Avoid constant snacking or “grazing” between meals
• Limit milk intake, especially before meals, as it fills the stomach without stimulating appetite
  

When children come to the table hungry, they naturally eat better – without pressure.

2. Nutrient-Dense Foods That Boost Child Appetite

Rather than focusing on quantity, focus on quality. The right foods can significantly improve appetite and nutrition.

Include:

• Protein-rich foods: eggs, lentils, chicken, fish, yogurt
• Healthy fats: nuts (age-appropriate), seeds, olive oil, ghee
• Iron-rich foods: dates, spinach, beans, fortified cereals
• Zinc-rich foods: whole grains, dairy, nuts, legumes
  

These are some of the best foods for child appetite, as they support growth, digestion, and energy levels. Balanced meals also reduce cravings for junk food.

3. Physical Activity & Appetite Connection

Physical movement plays a powerful role in regulating appetite.

• Encourage outdoor play daily
• Introduce age-appropriate sports or swimming
• Reduce screen time, especially before meals

Children who move more naturally feel hungrier and eat better. This is one of the simplest yet most overlooked ways to improve child eating habits.

Feeding Mistakes UAE Parents Commonly Make

Despite good intentions, some habits actually reduce a child’s appetite:

• Force-feeding, which creates fear and resistance
• Chasing the child with food, turning meals into a struggle
• Using screens during meals, which disconnects hunger from eating
• Over-reliance on milk and supplements, replacing real food

These patterns often lead to long-term eating issues. A calm, pressure-free mealtime environment is far more effective than any appetite tonic.

Appetite Boosting Tips That Actually Work (Doctor-Approved)

From years of clinical experience, these simple strategies consistently help improve child appetite:

• Serve small, child-friendly portions to avoid overwhelm
• Make food visually appealing using colours and variety
• Eat together as a family whenever possible
• Avoid comparing your child’s eating with siblings or friends
• Praise effort, not quantity — positive reinforcement works
  

Children eat better when they feel relaxed, respected, and involved in the process.

Should Appetite Syrups or Supplements Be Used?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask me:
“Doctor, should I give my child an appetite syrup?”

1. When Supplements Help

In some situations, child appetite supplements can be useful – but only when there is a clear medical reason. For example:

• Proven iron, zinc, or vitamin deficiencies
• Poor appetite linked to recent illness or recovery
• Children with restricted diets or absorption issues

When prescribed correctly, supplements support nutrition while the underlying issue is treated.

2. When They Don’t Help

In many cases, appetite syrups are not necessary and do not fix the real problem. If a child’s appetite issue is caused by:

• Excessive milk intake
• Irregular meal routines
• Frequent snacking
• Lack of physical activity

then no syrup will create lasting improvement. Once stopped, appetite usually returns to the same pattern.

3. Risks of Self-Medication

Using an appetite syrup for children without medical advice can:

• Mask underlying conditions such as anemia or growth delay
• Lead to unnecessary weight gain from poor-quality calories
• Create dependence on syrups instead of healthy eating habits
  

Some products also contain ingredients that may not be suitable for long-term use in children.

4. Importance of Pediatric Supervision

At RAK Hospital, we recommend supplements only after proper evaluation. Pediatric supervision ensures that:

• The supplement matches the child’s actual deficiency
• Dosage is safe and age-appropriate
• Growth and appetite are monitored regularly

Supplements should support health – not replace balanced meals.

Role of Vitamins & Minerals in Child Appetite

Micronutrients play a critical role in regulating hunger, energy levels, and growth. A deficiency can significantly affect child appetite.

Iron: Low iron levels are a leading cause of poor appetite, fatigue, and reduced immunity in children. Iron deficiency is especially common in fast-growing age groups.

Zinc: Zinc plays a direct role in taste, smell, and appetite regulation. Deficiency often leads to reduced interest in food.

Vitamin B Complex: B-vitamins help convert food into energy. When levels are low, children may feel tired and eat less.

Vitamin D: Although not directly linked to hunger, vitamin D deficiency affects growth, immunity, and overall wellbeing-indirectly influencing appetite.

Why Blood Tests May Be Needed: Instead of guessing, blood tests help identify:

• Exact nutrient deficiencies
• Whether supplements are necessary
• The correct treatment plan

Growth Monitoring — Appetite vs Growth

A child’s appetite should always be evaluated alongside growth—not in isolation.

How Pediatricians Track Growth

At RAK Hospital, we regularly monitor:

• Weight
• Height
• Body Mass Index (BMI)

These measurements are plotted on standard growth charts to track progress over time.

Growth Charts Explained Simply

Growth charts show how a child compares with others of the same age and gender. A child may eat less but still grow steadily, which is often normal.

Why Appetite Alone Doesn’t Define Health

Some children naturally eat small portions but absorb nutrients well. Others eat more but grow poorly. That’s why child appetite alone doesn’t determine health – growth patterns do.

The real question is not “How much is my child eating?” but
“Is my child growing well?”

When to See a Pediatrician for Low Appetite

While mild appetite changes are common in children, there are times when medical guidance becomes important.

Red Flags Checklist

You should consult a pediatrician if your child has:

• Poor appetite lasting several weeks
• No weight gain or weight loss
• Reduced energy or constant tiredness
• Recurrent infections or slow recovery from illness
• Delayed height or developmental milestones
• Refusal of most food groups
• Ongoing feeding struggles causing stress at home

These signs suggest that low child appetite may be affecting growth or health.

Importance of Early Evaluation

Early assessment helps identify:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Growth-related concerns
• Underlying medical or behavioral causes
  

Addressing the issue early prevents long-term complications and avoids unnecessary supplements or force-feeding.

What Parents Can Expect During Consultation at RAK Hospital

During your visit, our pediatric team will:

• Review your child’s eating habits and daily routine
• Measure weight, height, and BMI
• Assess growth using standardized growth charts
• Check for nutritional deficiencies if needed
• Provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your child
  

Our goal is to support both the child and the parents with clarity and reassurance.

Why Choose RAK Hospital for Child Appetite & Growth Concerns

Parents across the UAE trust RAK Hospital for pediatric care because of our balanced, evidence-based approach.

• Experienced pediatricians with expertise in nutrition and growth
• Detailed nutritional assessment, not guesswork
• Structured growth monitoring using international standards
• Practical parent counselling to reduce stress and confusion
• A warm, child-friendly environment
• Treatment plans based on science—not trends or shortcuts
  

We focus on long-term health, not quick fixes.

Final Message From the Doctor

As parents, it’s natural to worry when your child eats less than expected. But remember—appetite alone does not define health. Patience, routine, and the right guidance go a long way.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek professional advice.
If you’re concerned about your child’s appetite or growth, our pediatric team at RAK Hospital is here to help.

FAQs

Is low appetite normal in growing children?

Yes, in many cases it is completely normal. A child’s appetite naturally changes with age, growth spurts, activity level, and daily routine. Toddlers, in particular, eat less than parents expect because their growth rate slows after infancy.
If your child is active, alert, and growing steadily on the growth chart, a smaller appetite is usually not a medical concern—even if they eat less on some days.

How can I increase my child’s appetite naturally?

The most effective way to improve child appetite is through routine and lifestyle changes, not force-feeding or shortcuts.

Simple steps that work include:

• Keeping fixed meal times every day
• Limiting milk and juice before meals
• Encouraging outdoor play and physical activity
• Offering balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and iron-rich foods
• Avoiding pressure, bribing, or comparisons

When children feel hungry and relaxed, appetite improves naturally.

What foods improve appetite in children?

Foods that support appetite are those that provide sustained energy and essential nutrients. These include:

• Protein-rich foods like eggs, lentils, yogurt, chicken, and fish
• Healthy fats such as nuts (age-appropriate), seeds, olive oil, and ghee
• Iron-rich foods like dates, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals
• Zinc-containing foods such as dairy, whole grains, and legumes

These foods not only improve appetite but also support healthy growth and immunity.

Should I worry if my child eats very little?

You should look at the overall picture, not just the plate. If your child:

• Is gaining weight and height normally
• Has good energy levels
• Plays, learns, and sleeps well

then eating smaller portions is often normal.
Concern arises only when poor appetite is linked with poor weight gain, low energy, frequent illness, or developmental delays.

Do appetite tonics or syrups really work?

Appetite tonics may help only in specific medical situations, such as iron or vitamin deficiencies. However, they do not correct poor eating habits, irregular routines, or excess milk intake.

Using appetite syrups without medical guidance can:

• Mask underlying problems
• Create dependency
• Delay proper diagnosis

They should never replace healthy food habits or proper evaluation.

When should I take my child to a doctor for poor appetite?

You should consult a pediatrician if:

• Appetite loss lasts several weeks
• Weight or height is not increasing
• Your child appears tired or frequently ill
• Mealtimes have become stressful or difficult

A pediatrician will assess growth patterns, nutrition, and overall health—rather than relying on appetite alone.